The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is simple. "Lifeline exists to provide a hope and a future for children around the world by bringing families together through God's call to minister to orphans."
As Christians, God calls us to care for orphans. Many families answer this call by choosing to adopt, foster, or care for a child in need. They give a child a home... a home that provides shelter, love, and nurturing; a hope... true hope found in the opportunity of a relationship with Jesus Christ; and a future... a future that can be used by God for unimaginable purposes.
As the Executive Director of such an incredible ministry, I have had the opportunity to see the impact of love, hope, and the Gospel impact children in astounding ways. I have held children in orphanages in China who were afraid, lonely, and lifeless. Later I have seen those same children, adopted into some of the most incredible foreveer families, blossom into daughters and sons who show warmth, love, and energy.
I remember a certain night in Uganda when we ventured into the most dangerous slum, past 8:30 p.m. The children we were there to visit were children who had lived on the streets, but were being provided for by the humblest of facilities. The children were a bit lifeless and they were gaunt from malnurishment. As we visited the cramped rooms that slept at least 20, we realized that these children's first meal of the day had yet to be served - a mixture of flour, water, and corn meal. Still we were allowed to invite the children into a meager courtyard to present them with soccer balls and clothing.
We stood there that tepid Ugandan night, far from home, but close to the heart of God. The children filed out from their hiding places to receive the gifts we had brought. Then it was my turn to make a speech. What do you say to a group of 60 children ages 4 to 18 who have just had their earthly possessions multiplied exponentially?
And that was when I remembered... the hope is not in America, the hope is not in all the stuff we have accumulated, the hope is not in our homes, the hope is in Jesus Christ. Jesus in us is what a child orphaned in this world needs more than anything else.
So I spoke of God's love. I spoke of God's great HOPE. And then we all saw sparks of life enter into their eyes as we sang... "How Great is our God." That night I was reminded that giving children a hope and a future isn't about me; it isn't about Lifeline; it is about the hope of glory - Jesus Christ.
This same hope of glory impacts the foster children of our own country when we reach out to them. Recently I received an email from one of our foster mothers who currently fosters an 11 year old boy, who entered her home a month ago with many emotional, physical, spiritual and physical issues. This was not an easy placement, but this family was committed to showing this young man the love of Christ.
The email contained this quote from the little boy's teacher that exemplified what it means to give foster children a hope and a future.
"I am so proud of him this week. We have not had any accidents and he is aware of this and proud of himself as well! I am so very thankful for you and your husband. Ya'll are doing an AMAZING job in his life. He absolutely loves you and said he would prefer to live with you forever rather than going back home to his own mom... because you are fun, you take him places, do things with him, and he never goes with out food. His behavior has literally changed drastically. It is so incredible to see what a little love, support, consistency, rules, and safety can do for a child. He is a completely different child..."Oh beloved, will you allow God to use you to impact the life of a child? Please do not hesitate to give Lifeline a call because we are here...
On behalf of the orphans.
Herbie Newell
Executive Director
Lifeline Children's Services
giving children a hope and a future
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